In the sun-soaked coastal city of Naples, Florida, where style, precision, and luxury are part of daily life, one name has become synonymous with legendary off-road performance and timeless design: Deerey. Through his visionary work at Defenders-US, Deerey has positioned himself as a craftsman and innovator in the world of classic Land Rover Defender restorations, bringing together heritage and modern customization in a way few others can replicate.
This is the story of how Deerey redefined the classic car scene in Naples, revitalizing vintage Defenders and transforming them into bespoke, legally road-ready machines that are as beautiful as they are functional.
The Origin of Deerey’s Passion
The name Deerey has become well-known among Defender enthusiasts—not just in Florida, but across the U.S. and even internationally. But it all started with a simple passion: a love for vintage 4x4s and the unmatched legacy of the Land Rover Defender.
The Defender isn’t just any off-road vehicle. With origins dating back to the post-war era in Britain, it represents durability, resilience, and adventure. For decades, it’s been used everywhere from African safaris to European farm fields. Deerey saw an opportunity to bring these iconic vehicles to a new audience—those who appreciate their history but want modern touches and full compliance with U.S. automotive standards.
What Is Defenders-US?
Defenders-US, founded and led by Deerey, is a high-end vehicle restoration company based in Naples, Florida. Specializing in imported Land Rover Defenders, the company takes authentic vehicles—mostly sourced from regions like South Africa and Europe—and completely rebuilds them from the chassis up.
These restorations aren’t just cosmetic. Under Deerey’s guidance, the company offers:
Right-hand to left-hand drive conversions
Modern safety and compliance upgrades (EPA and DOT legal)
New powertrains and suspension systems
Luxury interior finishes
Digital dashboards and infotainment systems
Bespoke design choices for exterior paint, seating, roof, tires, etc.
By combining the rugged DNA of the Defender with modern comforts and tech, Deerey provides clients with vehicles that maintain their legendary character while becoming more practical for everyday American roads.
Why Naples, Florida?
The choice of Naples as the base for Defenders-US was no coincidence. The city is home to a discerning population that values craftsmanship, performance, and uniqueness. It’s a community where bespoke is better, and where vintage vehicles restored with modern luxury stand out for all the right reasons.
Moreover, the surrounding environment in Southwest Florida—with its scenic beach drives, Everglades backroads, and luxury real estate—is ideal for a vehicle like the Defender. Whether it’s a refined beach cruiser or a weekend off-road warrior, a restored Defender fits seamlessly into the Naples lifestyle.
Deerey often says that “a Defender looks just as good pulling up to a marina as it does powering through sand dunes,” and nowhere is that truer than in Naples.
Deerey’s Signature Restoration Process
Every vehicle that comes through Deerey’s workshop goes through an exhaustive, multi-stage transformation. Unlike large-scale commercial shops, Deerey emphasizes craftsmanship over quantity. Each build is treated like a bespoke piece of art—unique, purposeful, and personalized.
Step 1: Sourcing & Importing
Deerey travels or works with trusted partners in Africa and Europe to source Defenders that meet age and condition criteria for legal import. Once selected, the vehicles are shipped to the Naples facility for inspection.
Step 2: Full Tear-Down
Each Defender is stripped down to the bare chassis. Frames are cleaned, repaired, or reinforced. All mechanical parts are either refurbished or replaced with modern equivalents. The vehicle is essentially reborn from the ground up.
Step 3: Customization & Client Input
Clients are involved in designing their Defender. From paint color to leather stitching, every element is tailored. Want a V8 engine? Custom wheels? Woodgrain interiors? No problem. Deerey ensures the final product reflects the owner’s lifestyle.
Step 4: Modern Integration
Defenders-US ensures every vehicle is EPA and DOT compliant. Upgrades include modern lighting, brakes, emissions systems, and even touchscreen displays with Bluetooth and GPS. While the look stays classic, the driving experience is anything but outdated.
Client Experience with Deerey
One of the reasons Defenders-US has earned such loyalty is the personal attention every client receives. From the initial inquiry to post-delivery support, Deerey maintains a hands-on approach. Clients are updated with photos, video progress reports, and even invited to the workshop to see the build come to life.
As one happy customer put it:
“Working with Deerey was like being part of a family project. I’ve never felt so involved and so confident that my Defender would turn out exactly how I dreamed.”
Deerey’s reputation isn’t just about quality vehicles—it’s about building trust and lasting relationships.
Why Land Rover Defenders Still Matter
You might ask: why all this effort to restore a decades-old SUV? According to Deerey, the answer is simple—soul.
Modern SUVs might be faster or flashier, but they lack the raw connection to the road and environment that a Defender provides. A restored Defender offers:
Timeless design
Mechanical simplicity
Limitless customization
A sense of adventure and identity
In an age of mass-produced vehicles, a Deerey Defender is one-of-a-kind—forever tied to its owner’s vision and purpose.
The Future of Deerey and Defenders-US
Looking ahead, Deerey plans to expand Defenders-US into new offerings. Some upcoming innovations include:
Hybrid and electric Defender builds to meet sustainable mobility trends
Limited-edition collector runs with unique branding and historical themes
Pop-up showcases in cities like Miami, Austin, and Los Angeles
Worldwide export for international clients who appreciate American restoration standards
Despite the potential for scaling, Deerey remains committed to quality over quantity. The workshop will always prioritize personal builds, meticulous detail, and the integrity of the Defender legacy.
In a crowded market of classic car restorers, Deerey and Defenders-US stand apart for one powerful reason: authentic passion. Every bolt, every stitch, every gear ratio is chosen with intention, guided by a deep love for the Land Rover Defender and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
For those in Naples, Florida and beyond who seek a vehicle that’s not just transportation but an extension of personality and lifestyle, a Deerey Defender is the perfect fit.